Friends of the Harbor Springs Area District Library ends its nonprofit

HARBOR SPRINGS — The Friends of the Harbor Springs Area District Library has decided to wrap up its nonprofit before the end of the year, according to a release on the organization's website.

The organization decided to stop raising funds for the proposed district library in August, said Judy Harvey, the organization's chair. The group was not successful in getting a proposal to fund the district library on the November ballot.

The group aimed to raise $3.6 million to fund the building, which would have included the library's furniture, circulation materials, technology and more, but wasn't successful. The district library agreement with participating communities stated that a millage over the library would have had to have been approved by the end of 2012, or be dissolved.

"Individually, we continue to be strong supporters of the many fine public libraries throughout the Little Traverse Bay region," said Harvey in the statement. "We are so appreciative of you and your support. Through donations, 'Friends' memberships and dues, and purchases at our used book sales, you have contributed to this effort to fund a public library."

Harvey said the remaining funds will be donated to the two public libraries — Alanson and Mackinaw City — that provide library services to the 8,000 full-time residents in the Harbor area's public library district.